Kevin Roberts: “if we had not done this, it would have resulted in delays in the 2018 farm bill programs--the one that we passed here…”

“if we had not done this, it would have resulted in delays in the 2018 farm bill programs--the one that we passed here with 87 votes--and the ability farmers would have with the risk management tools. I would just simply point out that no matter what they grow or where they live, farmers, ranchers, and growers have done their part to ensure that our Nation's food, fiber, and fuel supplies continue without disruption during these unprecedented times. They are counting on the Department of Agriculture--and, for that matter, the Congress-- to deliver a range of agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry programs. More than 50 of these programs--here is the list--were in danger because of the uncertainty in replenishing the CCC funding and then due to some of the add-ons with regard to policy being difficult to understand. Well, they are easy to understand, but it is bad policy, bad precedent. We have put the Secretary of Agriculture in a very bad position in that he has announced the specifics of this program. I would urge all of my colleagues--more especially my colleagues across the aisle who have expressed great concern as to what is in this latest program and what isn't--to get on the phone, and I will get on the phone with the Secretary. I know that Senator Boozman and Senator Hoeven will do the same. We all have concerns as to how this is going to work, and that has been true with all of the programs prior to this one.…”